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How to Marry a Duke (How To Series #1)

by Vicky Dreiling (Goodreads Author)

3.87 of 5 stars 3.87 · rating details · 1,523 ratings · 212 reviews

Tristan, the Duke of Shelbourne is a man with a mission: find a wife he can tolerate as long as they both shall live. Love is not necessary--nor desired. But how to choose among a dizzying array of wealthy-yet-witless candidates? Hire London's infamously prim and proper matchmaker. Then pretend she's not the most captivating woman he's ever met...

Helping a devilish Duke cr...more

Paperback, 396 pages

Published February 3rd 2011 by Forever

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Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart by Sarah MacLean

Call Me Irresistible by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

2011 Romance

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Dukes... Bring 'em on!

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Mar 17, 2012 ♡KarLynP♡ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2012

This one surprised me. I only read/listened to it because Audible.com had it on their $5 sale, but I ended up really enjoying much more than I thought. I mean, come on, a historical spoof of the TV show 'The Bachelor'? Really? OK, it was a stretch -- a big stretch, in fact -- but regardless I found myself sucked into the story and routing for the H/h.

I think what really worked for me is how much I liked the lead hero and heroine, as well as some of the secondary characters. The H/h had great ch...more

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Jan 08, 2011 Catherine rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction-vixen-reviews, first-reads-arcs-won-a-copy, romance, challenge-task-contest, england, historical, matchmaker, read-2010, series-but-not-officially

The beginning of this book was pleasant, but that was about all. I felt that the attraction between the hero and heroine was a bit ham-handed and abrupt. I also became very nervous when the author whipped out a competition and elimination a la The Bachelor. I am definitely not a fan of things like that.

But somehow I forgot my concerns as I got more and more into the story. Tristan and Tessa had a great dynamic together and I had a blast giggling over some of their interactions. The bride competi...more

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Jan 14, 2011 Julie (Mom2lnb) rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of The Bachelor, HR w/a Mix of Humor & Emotion

Shelves: desert-island-keepers, historical-romance, read-2011

Reviewed for THC Reviews
"4.5 stars" Debut author Vicky Dreiling started off the new year with a bang for me with her first novel, How to Marry a Duke. In it, she created two likable and relatively complex characters with whom I enjoyed taking a journey to true love and happiness. Her historical spoof of the reality TV show, The Bachelor, was cute. It gave the story some lighthearted moments with a few of the courtship elements being laugh-out-loud funny. Yet it wasn't all fun and games. There wa...more Reviewed for THC Reviews
"4.5 stars" Debut author Vicky Dreiling started off the new year with a bang for me with her first novel, How to Marry a Duke. In it, she created two likable and relatively complex characters with whom I enjoyed taking a journey to true love and happiness. Her historical spoof of the reality TV show, The Bachelor, was cute. It gave the story some lighthearted moments with a few of the courtship elements being laugh-out-loud funny. Yet it wasn't all fun and games. There was also a nice mix of angst and emotion as the hero and heroine both battle past hurts and scandals to find their way to an HEA. The author is very deft at teasing the reader with Tristan and Tessa's issues, so much so that by the time I finally got to the reveal, particularly of Tessa's secrets, I was absolutely dying to know. While I can't say that I was particularly surprised by the revelations from the past, Ms. Dreiling did make events more complicated than I was expecting, making it very easy for me to sympathize. Overall, How to Marry a Duke was a highly enjoyable read.

Tristan begins the story as an unrepentant rake who is highly cynical about love. He amused me early on with his overly logical brain which rejects the notion that true love could possibly be real. Yet, I believe he fell for Tessa instantly and irrevocably from the moment he accidentally stepped on her fan and looked up into the most beguiling face he'd ever seen. It just took him a long time to realize it, and watching him squirm while he figured that out was half the fun of the story. He was definitely one of those stubborn alphas who was totally brought to his knees by a little thing called love. When it came to the courtship, I liked that Tristan wanted more than a simpering, vapid chit to be his wife, and I was very pleasantly surprised by his willingness to pledge fidelity to whomever he chose, even though he didn't believe it would be a love match. I did doubt Tristan a bit in the beginning of the courtship when he seemed to be paying more attention to the “pretty girls,” but he came around fairly quickly and proved that he had a good heart and could be fair to all the girls, recognizing that even the less physically attractive ones still had other admirable qualities. Tristan was quite the seductive charmer, but he could also be rather brooding. Best of all he was an incredibly honorable man, always trying to do right by everyone for whom he felt responsible. Tristan was certainly a very appealing hero and one who has earned a spot on my favorites list.

Tessa is a bit of a bluestocking, asserting the enjoyment of her independence and her matchmaking career as the main reasons for having no desire to marry, but no one knows that she harbors a painful secret that makes her feel unworthy of marriage. Instead, she chooses to live vicariously through the couples she matches. Underneath it all, it's obvious that she is a romantic, because she will only make love matches. The Duke, however, proves to be one of her biggest challenges, but she feels up to the task of opening his heart to love. Tessa is a rather plump heroine who doesn't consider herself to be particularly attractive, and it doesn't help when she overhears some biting remarks about her weight from a couple of the young ladies vying for Tristan's hand. All of this gives her a feeling of special responsibility to the wallflowers and unattractive ladies who no one seems to want to court. I liked that Tristan was able to make her feel beautiful. He was thoroughly entranced by her voluptuous figure and thought she was the loveliest woman he'd ever seen from the moment he first laid eyes on her. Tessa was a very sweet, kindhearted and thoughtful heroine who loved Tristan so much she was willing to give him up to save him from further hurt and scandal.

In addition to Tristan and Tessa, there were some very memorable secondary characters. At first, I was uncertain about Tristan's mother. She seemed rather cold and controlling, but it didn't take long for her to turn into an enigma with her belief in true love and apparent desire for her son to marry for love. Lady Shelbourne was a complicated character and the author definitely kept me guessing about her motives. The two bridal candidates who made it to the final round were both appealing in their own way, and I can't help but wonder if there might be stories for them somewhere down the line. Most notable of all was Tristan's best friend, Hawk, a rogue who could charm the stockings off any lady he wanted, but firmly asserted his love of bachelorhood. Much like Tristan though, this rake is about to fall and for none other than Tristan's sister, Julianne, a nice young lady who obviously only has eyes for him. I'm very much looking forward to reading their story, How to Seduce a Scoundrel, when it comes out in August 2011.

I can't wrap up my review without making special mention of my favorite scene in the entire book. The proposal was absolutely beyond amazing. It was so beautifully romantic, it left me with no doubt that Tristan loved Tessa to distraction. Not to mention, it had me crying so hard, you'd think I was the one being proposed to. I rarely cry when reading, but if I do, it's usually because of something sad or heartbreaking. I think this may mark the first time that I've actually cried happy tears over a book. Two things made it so lovely, one being the realization that Tristan had grown so dramatically from a resentful, cynical man who didn't believe in love into a man who wasn't afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve and proved it by making a grand, romantic gesture that was unforgettable. The other thing is that the proposal seems to be a romantic element that often gets overlooked. Typically, in my experience of reading romance, it is either non-existent or it's a rather simple affair that doesn't stick with me. In How to Marry a Duke, Vicky Dreiling took the time and care to create one of the most memorable and romantic proposals I've ever read.

The plot itself is fairly fast-paced with lots of dialog, perhaps a little too much at times, because it occasionally seemed to drag a bit. Once in a while, I thought it could have used a few more details and introspection. The book isn't particularly steamy and normally this wouldn't bother me, but I couldn't help feeling just a tad disappointed that the final consummation wasn't a bit spicier after waiting so long to get there. In the grand scheme of things, these were little more than minor annoyances some of which may show Ms. Dreiling's greenness as an author and will probably work themselves out down the road as she gains more experience. Overall, I was always eager to get back to reading the book each time I had to put it down. For various reasons, I can see why How to Marry a Duke might not work for some readers, but personally, I was enchanted by its wonderful mixture of humor and emotion. I thought that it was an excellent debut novel, and I'll be eagerly waiting with bated breath for Ms. Dreiling's next release.

Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Hachette Book Group, in exchange for my review.(less)

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Mar 02, 2011 Pamela(AllHoney) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, bluestocking-wallflower-hr, rakes-rogues-womanizers, hr-georgian-regency, own, 1st-in-series, dukes-earls-viscounts-etc, my-4-star-romances

Light and entertaining. I felt like I was watching the reality show The Bachelor except it was set in the Regency era. I recommend it to anyone who loves a fun historical romance novel.

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May 26, 2011 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

If you're looking for a sweet and feel-good Regency Romance, this is the right book for you. How to Marry a Duke is a little light in the sex department, but it's so fast-moving and entertaining that I barely had a chance to want for more.

Tristan is a duke looking for a wife. And he'll settle for nothing less than a suitable match. He wants a woman with intelligence, wit, breeding and fire. And the longer he searches, the clearer it is becoming that such a woman is hard to find. When he meets a...more

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Jan 20, 2011 Shawna rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of fun, engaging historical/regency romance

Shelves: historical-romance, historical-romance-regency, heroine-bluestocking-unconventional, kindle, heroine-odd-spinster-wallflower, hero-darcy-paragon-haughty-staid, hero-cad-rake-rogue‎-scoundrel, hh-aristocracy-nobility-royalty, heroine-curvy-plump-not-stick-thin, brothers-sisters-cousins-family, 2011-reads, 4-stars, friends-to-lovers, hero-alpha‎, hero-attractive-handsome-heartthrob, hero-bad-boy-playboy, hero-gentleman, hero-stalk-me-baby-possessive, hero-stud-mantel-hall-of-fame, heroine-abused-traumatic-past-rape, heroine-kickass-spirited-strong, heroine-naïve-virgin-like-a-virgin, hh-social-class-wealth-matters, hh-sweet-nice-paired-vs-gruff-cynic, i-read-kindle, i-read-own-faves-keepers, love-triangle-vying-courtships, made-me-cry, revenge-deception-secrets-lies, star-crossed-lovers, steam-2-warm, sweet-romance-left-smile-on-my-face, humorous-at-times-or-fluffy-fun, angsty-dark-heavy-lotsa-drama, vicky-dreiling, hero-duke-heir-to-dukedom, hero-marriage-wife-hunting

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. 4 stars – Historical/Regency Romance

Tessa’s Top Ten Guide for “How to Marry a Duke”

#1 Be unfashionably curvy.
#2 Play matchmaker for shy, awkward wallflowers and powerful, rakishly handsome dukes.
#3 Flaunt one’s spinsterhood with pride.
#4 Be Miss Independent and manage your money and estates better than most titled lords.
#5 Become close friends with and fight powerful attraction to aforementioned Duke.
#6 Gain the respect and admiration of the Dowager Duchess.
#7 Rebuke all possibility of marriag...more

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Nov 12, 2010 Jan Crow rated it 5 of 5 stars

HOW TO MARRY A DUKE
By Vicky Dreiling

Tristan James Gatewick, the Duke of Shelbourne, has been declared England’s most sought-after bachelor in England. He’s postponed finding a bride for several years and now finds that he should expedite his marrying. But, how to choose from so many women who weren’t quite what he wanted for a wife. His requirements are not odd – graceful, dutiful, modest and have decorum. She should be over 21, never married and of noble birth. So, attending balls is how he go...more

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Aug 16, 2012 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, european-historical, historical, 4-stars, regency-era, reviewed-on-blog, series-completed, debut-novels

GENRE: Historical Romance
SETTING: Regency England
HERO: Tristan Gatewick, Duke of Shelbourne
HEROINE: Tessa Mansfield
SENSUALITY RATING: Warm

OVERALL RANKING: 4 out of 5 Stars

For full review: http://feministfairytalereviews.blogs...

"How to Marry a Duke" is Vicky Dreiling's debut historical romance and, in my opinion, she does an amazing job right out of the gate. As mentioned in the summary above, this is the story of Tristan, Duke of Shelbourne, who is in desperate need of a wife. He has exacting...more

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Apr 12, 2013 Maria Mercedes The Oracle Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

How to Marry a Duke

Author: Vicky Dreiling Narrator: Elizabeth Jasicki

File Size: 530 KB Print Length: 436 pages Audio Length: 12 hrs 48min
Publisher: Forever; (January 1, 2011) Recorded Books
Tristan, the Duke of Shelbourne is a man with a mission: find a wife he can tolerate as long as they both shall live. Love is not necessary--nor desired. But how to choose among a dizzying array of wealthy-yet-witless candidates? Hire London's infamously prim and proper matchmaker. Then pretend she's not the...more How to Marry a Duke

Author: Vicky Dreiling Narrator: Elizabeth Jasicki

File Size: 530 KB Print Length: 436 pages Audio Length: 12 hrs 48min
Publisher: Forever; (January 1, 2011) Recorded Books
Tristan, the Duke of Shelbourne is a man with a mission: find a wife he can tolerate as long as they both shall live. Love is not necessary--nor desired. But how to choose among a dizzying array of wealthy-yet-witless candidates? Hire London's infamously prim and proper matchmaker. Then pretend she's not the most captivating woman he's ever met...

Helping a devilish Duke create a contest to pick his perfect mate is the kind of challenge Tessa Mansfield relishes. Her methods may be scandalous, but she's determined to find the notorious bachelor more than a wife--she'll bring him true love. Yet when Tessa watches the women vie for the Duke's affections, she longs to win his heart herself. And after a stolen kiss confirms Tristan's desire, Tessa knows she has broken a matchmaker's number one rule: never fall in love with the groom.
This is not my typical read. I usually avoid these types of books because they have the tendency to be very flowery and although they may be realistic to the times they aren’t very real to me. To my surprise I found this book for sale on audible and said…how bad it can be. Usually when I say this to myself I find myself very surprised and very much enjoying the story, this was not an exception. I enjoyed the story and laughed through all humorous parts and sighed through all the romantic ones. Typical also is the lack of SEX. I like sex, enjoy it very much, my three kids are proof and they still shout a resounding “Ewww” every time my husband takes two steps towards me. Anyway, Sex in these types of books can be very tricky; the author can end up making readers wanting much more or make the heroine look slutty for the times. Although, there were heated moments, the story did fall prey to the times it was written in and there is a lack of sex but the sexual tension between The Duke & Tessa is there in Spades. I love the characters. Tessa is not the typical swooning chit, for the times she is very smart, worldly and independent. The Duke, well I did want to shake him a few times, but he comes through in the end and turns out to be the perfect counterpart for Tessa.
Elizabeth Jasicki does an excellent job as narrator. Her accent is not forced and is not only British in nature but fits the aristocratic tones of the characters and the times. I hope she narrates the books that follow; she made it very enjoyable for me.
This story should serve as an example that we should never stick to the typical even when we read. We might miss something we will find remarkably enjoyable even though its not our typical taste.
The Oracle (Maria Mercedes)
All synopsis are supplied by the publisher via Amazon or Goodreads or Barnes & Noble.
The Oracle Reviews: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
The Oracle Reviews receives books to review via Netgalley. All opinions and reviews are her own.

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Feb 03, 2013 Ebru Aydın rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

DETAYLI YORUM İÇİN TIKLAYINIZ

Cesaretin Var Mı? || Vicky Dreiling

Bu kitabı önce konusunu okuduğumda sonra da birkaç alıntısını görünce kesinlikle almam gerektiğine karar verdim.Historical Romance türü kitaplarda artık konular birbirine benzer olmaya başladığı için bu kitabın konusu beni ilk anda cezbetti. Kadın kahramanın bir çöpçatan olması ve bir Dük'ün de ondan yardım alması ilginç geldiği gibi kafamda bir ton değişik konu oluşmasına sebep oldu. Bu yüzden de kitabı siparişlerim gelir gelmez...more

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Apr 08, 2012 Angelc rated it 5 of 5 stars

At first, I thought this book was going to be just a cutesy regency era twist on "The Bachelor" TV show. But as I kept reading, I found myself completely drawn in by the story and totally falling in love with the characters!

Tristan was a handsome, charming duke with the confidence you expect from royalty, but also with this unexpected awkward quality that made him just so much more endearing and real. He didn't make much effort to hide his feelings for Tessa, but at the same time, he did feel a...more

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Aug 28, 2011 Kathy Davie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, history

First in the Regency historical romance series set in England.

The Story
Tessa is fortunate to be independently wealthy which allows her to pursue her career as a matchmaker for the wallflowers of high society and it is within this role that the Duke of Shelbourne pursues his encounter with Tessa Mansfield. For the Duke is tired of inane chits pursuing him.

My Take
This is a cute, fluffy historical romance. Dreiling started well for the first few pages with her humorous digs at the ton but quickly r...more

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Aug 25, 2011 Vicky rated it 3 of 5 stars

Ok, so once again it's not Grand Literature, but hey!, my brain is scarcely working due to the rude awakenings I've fallen victim to (3 or 4 times a night, might I add, and every night on top of that!...) since my barely 4 years old has started suffering from nightmares. I needed something light and entertaining to read while every night I sit in bed with her, waiting for her to fall asleep. I've found it! Even though my brain is not working at it's usual speed due to fatigue (LOL, is someone go...more

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Jul 30, 2012 Kimberly Kincaid rated it 5 of 5 stars

Great debut! This book was a fun twist on historicals, and Dreiling struck the perfect balance between light-hearted and steamy. The sub-plots moved the story along quickly, the dialogue was snappy and sexy, and Tristan and Tessa were made-for-each-other perfect. A strong secondary cast rounded out a great story (particularly loved Tristan's mother and Hawk). I turned the pages quickly, and can honestly say I am eager for more! Well done and wonderful. Will definitely come back for more.

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Jun 19, 2011 Rose May rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: c

Note: This review, and all my reviews, comes from my blog - Romantic Rose's Bookshelf (http://romantic-rosesblog.blogspot.com)

I loved Tessa, our heroine. She was creative, unique, and strong. I also liked Hawk, the best friend of our hero, Tristan. For the most part, I like the dowager duchess as well – especially as I got to the end of the story. Unfortunately, the characters that I liked end there. Tristan is very ‘cookie-cutter’ not to mention judgmental; he is the completely typical hero. Us...more Note: This review, and all my reviews, comes from my blog - Romantic Rose's Bookshelf (http://romantic-rosesblog.blogspot.com)

I loved Tessa, our heroine. She was creative, unique, and strong. I also liked Hawk, the best friend of our hero, Tristan. For the most part, I like the dowager duchess as well – especially as I got to the end of the story. Unfortunately, the characters that I liked end there. Tristan is very ‘cookie-cutter’ not to mention judgmental; he is the completely typical hero. Usually, having one or two distinguishing characteristics is enough to set a hero apart – unfortunately, Tristan was bland and didn’t have those characteristics that would have made him special. The book’s characters and slow plot were really what made this book so average.

Not only were the characters so-so (cardboard cutouts) but the plot was bleh. There was no substance. Dreiling tried to infuse some excitement, but I just couldn’t find myself caught up in any of her attempts at suspense. It was slow and boring and dragged on. I felt like Dreiling wasn’t moving to the climax, but rather describing separate scenes involving the same people. Also, Tristan’s inability to decide was REALLY annoying. And the whole thing with Richard was resolved too quickly for the amount of prevalence it received. Lots of hype for no action. One thing that kept jilting me as I attempted to read was Dreiling’s poor writing. In the world of romance there are a lot of descriptions that are no-nos, one being describing the first stirrings of love as a digestive disorder. Ew.

And finally, one thing I hate, hate, HATE is unreasonable reactions – when the author wants to have the whole fight-find out you can't live without the other-kiss-makeup scene and so they create some tiny conflict and have the hero/heroine get super pissed about it. What the hell? Its not piss-able, heroes! Dreiling does this at the end of the book and it was so false. It was annoying. Really. I mean, can you blame the girl for not blurting her past liaisons to every man she meets? Plus, why would anyone want to read about a hero who overreacts all the time? Ew. Not my man.

“Sexy”ness rating: Hot

Overall Rating: C

Bottom Line: This book was an average historical. It has average plot lines and average characters. Eh.(less)

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Apr 19, 2011 ♥ Vonda M. Reid ♥ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: regency-historical

Overall Rating: 4.95 // Action: 2 / Emotion: 5 / Romance: 5 / Sensuous: 3 / Intrigue: 4 / Regency Flavor: 5 // Humor: 13 / Tears: 9

Vicky Dreiling accomplished strong emotional engagement with her debut novel, How To Marry A Duke , the first book in The 'How To' Trilogy. Although the depth of emotional angst suffered by Tristan James Gatewick, the Duke of Shelbourne was tame compared to many other heros starring in other books, it was very realistic to see why he would eschew marriage after watch...more

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Jan 16, 2011 Carrie rated it 5 of 5 stars

HOW TO MARRY A DUKE is a fantastic debut. The book is fun, light, and full of romance. The premise is like the show the Bachelor and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next.

Tristan, the Duke of Shelbourne, is a fantastic character. He is haughty and arrogant, but still very likable. He evolves from someone who has to marry for duty to someone who will only marry for love. It is a great transformation and it written perfectly.

Tessa Mansfield is a spinster and very happy to remain that way....more

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Jan 10, 2011 Gaby rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, summer-reading

I know I've been gushing about books lately, but How to Marry a Duke is such a fun read. Just to prove it to you, here's a passage I particularly liked:

"Suppose you were competing with another man for a girl's affections. The other gentleman brings flowers and sends poetry. What would you do to top him?"

"Shoot him."

I guess you have to read it in context. But How to Marry a Duke combines two romantic leads that have spent much of their adult lives adhering to duty and sacrificing for their fam...more

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Jan 09, 2011 April rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: debut-regency-historical-romance

HOW TO MARRY A DUKE by Vicky Dreiling is a delightful,fast paced historical romance set in 1816 London.It is this author's debut novel. It is well written with detail,depth,and will keep you turning the page from beginning to end. It is full of humor,heart,passion, action packed, laugh out loud humor,wit, matchmaking, romance, love, sweet sensuality,warmth,secrets,tenderness and finding true love. The characters are full of charm,are enchanting, sexy,witty,and a challenge. The hero, Tristan, is...more

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Jan 02, 2011 Mary Gramlich rated it 5 of 5 stars

HOW TO MARRY A DUKE by Vicky Dreiling
01/03/11 - Grand Central Publishing - Mass Market Paperback, 432 pages

Happily Ever After with a twist, turn, push and pull!

Miss Tessa Mansfield is a practical, sensible woman who has the advantage only money can provide an unmarried woman early 1800’s – freedom to make her own choices. Upon her uncle’s death she was bestowed with financials wealth few women in London ever acquired and what Tessa did instead of sit on her financial laurels was become matchmake...more HOW TO MARRY A DUKE by Vicky Dreiling
01/03/11 - Grand Central Publishing - Mass Market Paperback, 432 pages

Happily Ever After with a twist, turn, push and pull!

Miss Tessa Mansfield is a practical, sensible woman who has the advantage only money can provide an unmarried woman early 1800’s – freedom to make her own choices. Upon her uncle’s death she was bestowed with financials wealth few women in London ever acquired and what Tessa did instead of sit on her financial laurels was become matchmaker extraordinaire for the single men and women of the ton. Tessa has a special place in her heart for the lonely girls that are less than perfect and left to sit on the shelf for she herself feels less than perfect and knows how the vicious gossips can hurt with a single word. Tessa let herself be set aside from her coming out due to family responsibility, but also in part to shield herself from the scandal that one night of poor judgment would cause if it became known. Tessa believes in taking ownership of one’s mistakes but is it possible the punishment she put on herself does not fit the supposed crime?

When Tristan James Gatewick, the Duke of Shelbourne hires her to find him a suitable duchess, the Regency version of “The Bachelor” begins. Tessa starts the Duke out with 24 suitable women that require an elimination without even a red rose to go home with! Tristan knows his responsibilities to his family and estate demand an heir so his decision to handle this as if it were business makes sense to him but to Tessa a love match is what she is seeking for Tristan, as well as everyone but herself. The more Tristan knows about Tessa the more he wants to know everything about Tessa and grows more wanting of her every minute of the day. But the reality of his desire for the one woman who will not marry him is a mountain Tristan is not sure he can climb. He takes his time to consider each candidate she presents to him as a potential wife but none cause him to burn with desire the way Tessa does and when their lips meet the fire almost consumes them both. She is the complete package he desires of angel in the ballroom and temptress in the bedroom and everything happens for a reason, but what reason is holding Tessa back from letting her passion and lust rule her thoughts?

Tristan and Tessa have haunting pasts, present responsibilities and future obligations and while they should work in tangent with one another they do not. Tristan chases an elusive Tessa all around London while she watches over her shoulder for an elusive ghost that still looks to ruin her. But these two and their cast of secondary characters are well written and make the story one you truly will love from cover to cover. This first book shows what a great series starts out with and makes you anxious for the next book to come out soon.
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Dec 28, 2010 Bookaholics rated it 4 of 5 stars

How to Marry a Duke by Vicky Dreiling
Historical Romance –Jan. 3rd, 2011
3 1/2 stars

The Duke of Shelbourne is the most eligible bachelor in London. He has power and wealth but no heir. He needs to find a wife, preferably somebody that can meet his high standards: blue blooded, decorous, experienced in hosting entertainments, intelligent, virtuous, and with a hint of passion so that bedding her won’t be a chore. Refusing to leave his marriage to fate, he hires Ms. Tessa Mansfield, Society’s most su...more

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Dec 17, 2010 Katy Budget Books rated it 5 of 5 stars

Tristan James Gatewick, the Duke of Shelbourne, has been declared England’s most sought-after bachelor in England. He’s postponed finding a bride for several years but finds that he should expedite his marrying. So now he’s attending balls and parties only to be followed around by a gaggle of giggling young women not anywhere close to what he is looking for in a wife.

He had so many women after him vying for his attention until one night when he steps on the fan of the one woman at the ball who w...more

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May 11, 2013 Cherie Jensen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: e-book

Tristan is a perfect hero. He's a duke, he's handsome, he's a rake. He's responsible and loyal. And he has a sense of humor. Tessa is smart and witty. He is attracted to her from the beginning even though he has hired her to find him a bride.

There is a most memorable carriage seduction. Better than you can imagine as he does not deflower her. Rather the other way around. Actually it was so hot that their eventual love scene after becoming betrothed is warm in comparison.

There is a scene where th...more

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Dec 18, 2012 Aldy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: muy-largo, historica, regencia, ceh

Muy buen libro, interesante. Ambos protagonistas tienen sus personalidades bien desarrolladas en la historia, ella por un error del pasado decide que no se casará y él para borrar todo el pasado vergonzoso de su familia jamás los dejará caer en la vergüenza.

"
—Un regalo para usted —dijo.
El silencio descendió sobre la sala.
Rompió el sello con dedos temblorosos. El silencio nervioso se interponía entre ellos mientras abría la hoja. Se quedó sin aliento por las palabras escritas.
Tú eres mía y la...more

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Jan 16, 2011 DKAY rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

I will have to say that when I started reading this book I was not quite sure how I would like it because I don't really like the "compete to be my wife thing", I don't like the show's and to be honest that is probably what made me think I am not going to like it but I was going to try and read it anyway since I love historical romance. With that being said I found that I was wrong and it turned out to be a very good book. I felt that the writing was very good and for the author to change my min...more I will have to say that when I started reading this book I was not quite sure how I would like it because I don't really like the "compete to be my wife thing", I don't like the show's and to be honest that is probably what made me think I am not going to like it but I was going to try and read it anyway since I love historical romance. With that being said I found that I was wrong and it turned out to be a very good book. I felt that the writing was very good and for the author to change my mind about how I was thinking about this story I have to give it a thumbs up especially since this is her first book. The characters are explained with plenty of details and there are some secondary characters that stood out for me also. In a lot of books that I have read I find that some of the extra characters are kind of thrown in and don't really mean too much but in this one you get a feel for the story as a whole and get to know more characters without the feeling that they are just there for no reason at all. The main part of the story moves along at a pretty good pace and it is a story that you will not want to put down. There are a few places in the book that I caught myself laughing out loud and once was at an appointment and of course I looked up and noticed I wasn't alone in the Dentist's office. I feel that this was a very good read and a great historical romance and I am looking forward to reading Vicky Dreiling's next book "How to Seduce a Scoundrel" that is to come out in July 2011.

I was provided this book from the author Vicky Dreiling, Grand Central Publishing, Forever- Hachette Book Group & Anna Balasi through Book Blogs. This review is of my own honest opinion on the book that I have recieved from this company free of charge to do this review and that in no way influences the way I do my reviews. I am under no obligation to give a positive or negative review. All reviews are of my own thoughts and should not influence a non-purchase on any item soley based on my reviews as these are only my own opinions.
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Sep 01, 2012 Ellyce rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012, historical-romance

This book was a headache to get through. There was potential in the first few pages, but the fact that physical attraction was what made these two so drawn to each other initially just made it your typical hohum bodice ripper.

Still, I kept my hopes up, but any chance of it redeeming itself went down the drain once a Bachelor-esque setup happened. "Is this really happening?" I asked myself. Unfortunately, it really was.

Things just spiralled downward from this point. The characters don't act like...more This book was a headache to get through. There was potential in the first few pages, but the fact that physical attraction was what made these two so drawn to each other initially just made it your typical hohum bodice ripper.

Still, I kept my hopes up, but any chance of it redeeming itself went down the drain once a Bachelor-esque setup happened. "Is this really happening?" I asked myself. Unfortunately, it really was.

Things just spiralled downward from this point. The characters don't act like people in nineteenth century England should. They use modern-day forms of expression (the frequent short sentences in dialogue made me wince, as did the tedious mmonologues). There's even awkwardly placed gestures that are definitely not typical behavior of the time - the duke's sister pumps her fist through the air amidst gathered company, multiple times. Yes, rebellious young ladies may be outspoken and such, but never in the numerous romance novels set in this period I've read have I ever encountered a lady of the aristocracy who actually fist pumps multiple times. Let's not even mention the fact that no one in the company comments on it.

The main charcters were boring, dull, and quite frankly, the fact that it took them more than 90% of the book to actually get it on was badly done. The timing of this is so important, and you can't have it too soon or too late; I've found tht most Regency romance novels have it at about halfway. The only author I've seen pull off a rather late first sex scene (multiple times, actually) is Laura Lee Guhrke, and that's because her stories are engaging and beautifully written - so while yes, the love scenes are nice, I'm not bored to tears by the writing or story, as they are thoroughly engaging. This book is nowhere close to that level, and it suffers as a result. When the sex actually does happen, the foreplay that went on before was more interesting than the snoozefest that was the consummation.

Most of the characters were irritating, but I really enjoyed the friendship between Amy and Georgette. Their bond was really extraordinary and I would gladly have read installments focusing on these side characters rather than the hot mess that the majority of this book was.

Speaking of which, I will continue to read the next two books because the last apparently has Amy's story; hopefully the writing and plots will improve.(less)

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Jan 27, 2011 Patti Loves FAB Romance rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical

Tristan, the Duke of Shelbourne, is England's most eligible bachelor. He's tired of picking up dropped fans and bumping into young ladies pushed into his path by their mothers. He runs into Tessa at a ball and learns that she's a matchmaker. At first he scoffs, then thinks maybe that's what he needs - he knows he needs to marry soon to carry on his Dukedom but doesn't want a silly, featherheaded girl for a bride.

Tessa Mansifield is firmly on the spinster shelf at age 26. She's resigned to her fa...more Tristan, the Duke of Shelbourne, is England's most eligible bachelor. He's tired of picking up dropped fans and bumping into young ladies pushed into his path by their mothers. He runs into Tessa at a ball and learns that she's a matchmaker. At first he scoffs, then thinks maybe that's what he needs - he knows he needs to marry soon to carry on his Dukedom but doesn't want a silly, featherheaded girl for a bride.

Tessa Mansifield is firmly on the spinster shelf at age 26. She's resigned to her fate and enjoys making advantageous matches for women of less fortune. She is independently wealthy and enjoys the freedom of managing her own livlihood. When Tristan approaches her about finding him a wife, she hesitates - he's made it clear he's not looking for a love match - but eventually agrees.

Of course there's conflict in the form of a long-lost suitor of Tessa's with less than chivalrous intentions, as well as Tessa and Tristian's growing affection for each other.

Tessa and Tristian were so cute together! They ended up with a Bachelor 1800's-type scenario - 24 young ladies all vying for the Duke's hand. As they would meet for an outing (tea, opera, house party), he would decide who would be invited to the next gathering, until he had it narrowed down to two young ladies. There were several laugh-out-loud moments, and a few tender ones as well.

In addition to Tristian and Tessa, I enjoyed reading the side characters - Tristian's mother at first came off as mean but I warmed to her quite nicely and grew to like her very much, Tristian's best friend Hawk was rougish and fun, and two of the young contestants were very sweet.

This book was a pleasant surprise. I’m not a fan of the cover (I think it’s the model – he has a strange look about him), so I wasn’t sure what to expect and happily fell right into the story. I didn’t like the abrubt ending, however, I wish it could have been drawn out a bit more.

How to Marry a Duke is Ms. Dreiling's first novel and I will definitely be back for more! I read the excerpt of the next book, How to Seduce a Scoundrel, and am looking forward to that story in July (to avoid spoilers I can't say who the hero/heroine are, but it's going to be good!).(less)

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Jul 23, 2012 Cecilia (rather barefoot than bookless) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult-romance, reading-romance-challenge

4.5 stars

This was an awesome historical romance! I have always have a soft spot for historical fiction but is not very often I find a historical romance that is not only about the romance between two people. Usually the story goes: Man meets woman, they argue all the time, the make love, they argue some more have a few misunderstandings and then they kiss and make up and live happily ever after. RIGHT?!

Well you have that... sort of in this book too but you also have a secret past with skeletons...more

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Feb 25, 2012 Gaby rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, historical, adult, read-2012

Posted at Oh My Books!

How to Marry a Duke is about Tristan, the Duke of Shelbourne, who needs a wife, and fast. He doesn't know where to start, so he hires Tessa Mansfield, a wallflower who works as a matchmaker.

Tristan has a list with all the required attributes his wife must have, but the most important is that she has to be desirable for him. He doesn't believe in love, which Tessa truly believes. It's difficult to find him a wife with so little time, so Tessa must do something scandalous but...more

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Feb 13, 2012 Erin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Witty and charming. It was nice to see a story where the snobby girls get their comeuppance and those left in the competition were confident and acted like adults, instead of spoiled brats.

I did enjoy watching Tristan and Tessa preconceived notions about each other fall away over the course of the book. Both of them showing to be mature complicated adults trying to do the best they could to act honorable and overcome their ideas of their past. While unconventional, their romance was more of what...more

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About Vicky Dreiling

Vicky Dreiling is a confirmed historical romance junkie and Anglophile. Frequent business trips to the UK allowed her to indulge her passion for all things Regency England. Bath, Stonehenge, and Spencer House are among her favorite places. She is, however, truly sorry for accidentally setting off a security alarm in Windsor Castle. That unfortunate incident led her British colleagues to nickname h...more

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Books by Vicky Dreiling

How to Seduce a Scoundrel (How To Series #2)

A Season for Sin (The Sinful Scoundrels #0.5)

What a Wicked Earl Wants (The Sinful Scoundrels, #1)

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Quotes from How to Marry a Duke

“You are my one and only, for all eternity.” — 14 people liked it

“He'd missed matching wits with her. "Shall we duel with our lips?"

"You may find yourself eating grass for breakfast.” — 10 people liked it

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How to Marry a Duke (How To Series #1)

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